How to Grow Montbretia
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Montbretia
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora
flowerMontbretia is a vibrant summer-flowering bulb that produces arching sprays of orange, red, or yellow tubular flowers. It's a hybrid between two African Crocosmia species and creates dramatic, tropical-looking displays with sword-like foliage. The plant is vigorous, long-flowering, and excellent for cutting arrangements.
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Example Montbretia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Montbretia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Montbretia blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-10; hardy perennial in zones 7-10, treat as annual or lift bulbs in colder zones
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Get my Montbretia timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Planting
4-6 weeks until sproutingCorms are dormant underground. Plant in spring (zones 6-7) or fall (zones 8-10) after soil warms.
Choose well-draining location. Plant corms 2-3 inches deep, 4 inches apart. Water lightly after planting.
Emergence & Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksSword-like green leaves emerge and elongate. Plant develops 2-3 sets of leaves before flowering begins.
Water regularly to establish strong root system. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Remove any dead foliage. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
Bud Formation & Flowering
8-12 weeksTall, arching flower stems emerge with buds at the tips. Flowers open progressively along the stem in shades of orange, red, or yellow.
Continue regular watering. Stake tall varieties if needed. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Feed with low-nitrogen fertilizer to support flowering.
Peak Bloom & Continuation
4-8 weeksFull display of vibrant flowers in arching sprays; individual flowers last several days, new buds continue opening.
Cut flowers for arrangements regularly; this extends blooming season. Continue deadheading. Water consistently. Protect from strong winds.
Seed Development & Dormancy Preparation
4-6 weeksFlowers fade and seed pods form. Foliage begins to yellow. Corms begin storing energy underground.
Allow foliage to die back naturally in cold climates before cutting (provides energy to corms). In warm zones, can deadhead entirely to stop seed set. Reduce watering. Do not fertilize. In zones 6-7, dig corms after first frost, dry, and store indoors at 50-60°F.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray foliage with water to increase humidity; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation is severe. Avoid overhead watering that may spread spider mites.
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Remove affected flowers; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Plant insectary flowers like alyssum nearby to attract predatory insects.
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Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Use copper tape barriers around beds. Apply iron phosphate slug bait. Remove leaf debris where they hide.
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering. Plant in raised beds in heavy clay soil. Treat corms with fungicide before storage. Remove and discard severely affected plants.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryMontbretia flowers are edible with a slightly sweet, peppery flavor. Use sparingly as garnish on salads, desserts, or cocktails for vibrant color. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftMontbretia is prized for fresh and dried floral arrangements. The arching stems and long-lasting flowers make it ideal for vases, bouquets, and tropical-style designs. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeOrange and red montbretia flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It provides valuable nectar and pollen during mid to late summer when other sources may be scarce. [source]
Garden Ornament
HouseholdWith its striking tropical appearance and long blooming season, montbretia serves as a focal point in borders, cottage gardens, and sunny beds. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn some African traditional medicine systems, Crocosmia species have been used to treat inflammation and minor wounds, though scientific validation is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers when the first 2-3 flowers on the spike are open; lower buds will continue opening in the vase. Cut in early morning or evening for longest vase life (10-14 days). Leave some flowers on plants for extended garden display and pollinator benefit. For corm division, dig in fall (cold zones) or spring (warm zones) when plants are dormant; replant immediately or store in cool, dry place.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Montbretia' comes from a 19th-century French botanist, Antoine François Ernest Coquebert de Montbret, though the plant is technically a Crocosmia hybrid.
- 🌱 Montbretia has naturalized so successfully in parts of the UK and Ireland that it is now considered invasive in some regions, spreading rapidly through underground corm division.
- 🌱 The flowers open progressively from bottom to top along the arching spike, with individual flowers opening for just one or two days, providing weeks of continuous blooming from a single plant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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